Heat set for home tilt versus Nets

(Sports Network) - The defending NBA champions, the Miami Heat, host the
Brooklyn Nets tonight in what could be a preview for an Eastern Conference
playoff matchup.

"They have a really good team," said LeBron James. "From the outside looking
in, it seems they have a pretty cool owner. A mentor of mine is a part owner
of the team, so I know he's cool. I think that's a good thing for them."

The Heat right now are scoring at an alarming pace. Even including the 84-
point dud in their loss to the New York Knicks, the Heat have scored 447
points in the first four games of the season. That is a franchise record and
Miami averages 121 ppg in their three victories, all at home. The Heat have
also shot at least 50 percent from the field in their wins.

Defensively, things haven't gone well for the defending champions. The Heat
have surrendered over 100 points three times and twice, teams have shot over
50 percent from the field.

"For us, we understand that in order for us to win a championship, we have to
defend," said James.

Another source of strength for the Heat has been their bench, especially Ray
Allen. The NBA's all-time leader in 3-pointers made is averaging 15.5 ppg and
is shooting 60 percent from beyond the arc. Rashard Lewis hasn't been a slouch
either with 8.5 ppg from the bench and 50 percent shooting from the 3-point
line.

For the Nets, this is their first venture outside of Brooklyn. After their
highly-anticipated season debut against the Knicks was canceled due to
Hurricane Sandy, they split two home games. They beat the Toronto Raptors,
107-100, then let one get away, blowing a 22-point lead against the Minnesota
Timberwolves.

"We just relaxed defensively," said head coach Avery Johnson. "Defensively, we
have a long way to go. We have a lot of stuff to watch, a lot of correctable
errors."

Good luck correcting them against the Heat.

Offense hasn't been the Nets' problem, so far.

Brooklyn currently ranks eighth in the NBA in points per game and is third in
3-point shooting. The All-Star backcourt of Deron Williams (18.5 ppg, 11 apg.)
and Joe Johnson (16.5 ppg.) has done well, but big man Brook Lopez has been
sensational. He is averaging 20 points and seven rebounds.

Forward Gerard Wallace sprained his left ankle in the season opener, didn't
play against Minnesota and his availability for tonight is in question. He
would be charged with guarding James if he played.

The Heat have won 10 in a row against the Nets and 13 of the last 14. The Nets
have won three of their last five road openers.